Black 47 rocks the Bronx, and on St. Patrick’s Day 2012 they rocked Manhattan, too. The perfect NY celebration was in the heart of Times Square at BB King’s. With a comfortable venue, great food, friendly strangers of all ages dancing and sharing the fun, and some of the best music ever to come out of the city and there was nowhere else any sane person would have wanted to be.
A dignified and moving performance by Lia Fail Pipe Band was more than a warm-up. The traditional songs (including a performance of Amazing Grace that brought tears to my eyes) were reminders of the reasons for celebrating, in our rowdy American way, a nation that endured centuries of oppression and never gave up the fight.
Black 47’s music has never been easy to describe. There’s the definite Celtic background that weaves Irish history, folk tunes and instrumentation through much of what they do. There are touches of reggae, jazz, klezmer, rock, and probably other things I’m not knowledgeable enough to pick up on. It’s always interesting to hear familiar tunes referenced, everything from “The Salley Gardens” to the Beach Boys. The lyrics can be humorous, heartbreaking, or politically passionate, but they are always intelligent. I respect the rage against injustice at the core of many of their songs. Then I hear something like “Celtic Rocker” and laugh my ass off.
From the opening “Green Suede Shoes” to an encore medley of covers (“Like a Rolling Stone,” “I Fought the Law,” etc.) the energy never flagged for over two hours. The most fantastically powerful moment came during “James Connolly.” As the Starry Plough was raised, Larry Kirwan and the audience pumped fists high, all shouting support for the rights of the working man. How many bands can perform a song about a hero martyred nearly 100 years ago and make you wish you could fight alongside him?
Each band member was worth watching every minute. I found myself glancing from one person to another, not wanting to miss anything from their amazing performances. My hat is off to you gentlemen. I thoroughly loved every second watching you all rock out.
Kirwan is one of the few performers who seems like a genuinely nice and interesting guy, somebody you’d like to say hello to. He’s a writer, composer, performer, political activist, library supporter, and historian with a lot to say. It’s pretty impressive that he’s generous enough to meet with fans, sign autographs, pose for photos, and remain pleasantly gracious immediately after such a high energy show.
I think everyone’s life has a soundtrack, and Black 47 has long had its place in mine. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to see these guys live. My thanks go out to Black 47 for decades of wonderful, funny, thought-provoking music, and a stellar performance that will enrich my life every time I recall it.
